Comsearch :: Industry Solutions :: AWS Microwave Relocation Services

Our cost-effective and time-saving microwave relocation services include:

Interference Analysis—Up-front analyses, using either imported or software-generated cell layouts, to identify incumbents that may experience interference. This is used to make preliminary determinations of the incumbent impact. Results help to identify possible changes to the cell layout to avoid or mitigate interference. In cases where interference cannot be mitigated, the results of this analysis are used to prioritize incumbent relocation.
Link Assessment and Review—Incumbent contact is made to assess the status of the system and to obtain operational information. A relocation estimate is prepared based on comparable system replacement costs.
Site Audits and RF Measurements—Interference predictions can be further verified through in-field measurements and incumbent system review. Our field services teams can perform measurements to determine system parameters, propagation characteristics and verify the operational status of microwave systems. Verification of link status prevents reimbursement for off-air systems and has resulted in substantial savings for our clients.
Incumbent Negotiation and Contract Execution—A specific strategy is developed for each incumbent to facilitate the negotiation process. An assessment is made of the terms necessary to ensure rapid and cost-effective contract execution for a turnkey installed solution or a cash settlement. All relevant agreement details are provided to the microwave clearinghouse to facilitate cost sharing reimbursement.
Relocation Program Management—Once the contract has been executed, the requirements of the relocation schedule are fully evaluated. Equipment procurement and installation is managed to secure a timely delivery of the re-engineered system. Communication is maintained with all parties to ensure final system decommissioning and acceptance of the replacement facilities.
Frequency Clearing for Drive Testing—This is done when the market is not clear of incumbents. Since a drive test requires a CW signal (very narrow) we can often find slivers of spectrum available to use for these tests prior to actually clearing an entire channel for a market.
Coordination with Incumbents—Preparation and dissemination of FCC-mandated Prior Coordination Notices (PCNs) to incumbents to provide cell site operating parameters prior to commercial launch of the AWS system. Coordinate with 1.7 GHz incumbents in case of interference issues to prioritize market clearing.
Cost Sharing Verification—An analysis is conducted to validate any cost sharing obligations and invoices that are generated from the FCC designated clearinghouse and other carriers. A systematic review of parameters such as system cost, licensing, frequency, bandwidth, cost sharing formula, contract terms, proximity threshold triggers and decommissioning date is performed.

Comsearch has a proven track record of successfully completed AWS relocations for national carriers. Our team of relocation experts has the hands-on experience necessary for the most timely and cost-effective solutions.

We have:

Services backed by a team with decades of industry experience, the most comprehensive and accurate database of microwave systems, and Comsearch's proprietary software tools.
A unique knowledge and relationship with 2.1 GHz incumbents and a strong relationship with each of the 1.7 GHz US Government Agencies, the NTIA, Officeof Management and Budget (OMB), and the FCC.
Peerless knowledge of data for 1.7 GHz Agency systems and associated data issues.
A partnership with the CTIA for the 2.1 GHz AWS Cost-sharing Clearancehouse.

Benefits:

Timely market launch with focus on cost-savings and enhanced revenue generation for carriers.
Lower microwave relocation costs.
Relieved administrative burden for coordination process.
Confirmed validity of cost sharing obligation.

Case One—Interference Research
Issue: Interference problem reported by a carrier in a newly launched market
Cause: A microwave system reported by a Federal agency to be off-air still transmitting
Action: Comsearch verified the source of interference and notified the Federal agency
Result: Interference eliminated upon turning off of the system by the Federal agency
Case Two—PCN Services
Issue: A Federal agency rejected the Prior Coordination Notice (PCN) submitted on behalf of a carrier
Action: Comsearch requested more information from the agency and worked diligently with them to address their interference concerns
Result: The Federal agency reanalyzed the submission and cleared the market

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Home Industry Solutions AWS Microwave Relocation Services
	AWS Microwave Relocation Services Comprehensive Relocation Solutions
Industry Solutions	Comsearch's AWS Microwave Relocation Services cover all aspects of the spectrum sharing and relocation process to meet the unique engineering and deployment requirements of AWS licensees. New Advanced Wireless Services (AWS) licensees must conquer several challenges before launching a viable system in this shared spectrum environment. They will have to share spectrum in the 1.7 and 2.1 GHz bands with Federal Government and commercial Microwave/Broadband Radio Service systems respectively. They must design and deploy infrastructure in spectrum occupied by dissimilar and diverse incumbent networks, while relocating these incumbents to new spectral homes. Comsearch addressed this problem in the 1.9 GHz PCS bands where new PCS systems were allocated spectrum occupied by private microwave systems. We understand that similar microwave relocation and spectrum sharing services are also necessary to ensure rapid deployment for AWS. Comsearch's comprehensive suite of AWS Relocation Services provide solutions for all AWS spectrum sharing and microwave relocation challenges. How It Works Comsearch Difference Case Studies Our cost-effective and time-saving microwave relocation services include: Interference Analysis—Up-front analyses, using either imported or software-generated cell layouts, to identify incumbents that may experience interference. This is used to make preliminary determinations of the incumbent impact. Results help to identify possible changes to the cell layout to avoid or mitigate interference. In cases where interference cannot be mitigated, the results of this analysis are used to prioritize incumbent relocation. Link Assessment and Review—Incumbent contact is made to assess the status of the system and to obtain operational information. A relocation estimate is prepared based on comparable system replacement costs. Site Audits and RF Measurements—Interference predictions can be further verified through in-field measurements and incumbent system review. Our field services teams can perform measurements to determine system parameters, propagation characteristics and verify the operational status of microwave systems. Verification of link status prevents reimbursement for off-air systems and has resulted in substantial savings for our clients. Incumbent Negotiation and Contract Execution—A specific strategy is developed for each incumbent to facilitate the negotiation process. An assessment is made of the terms necessary to ensure rapid and cost-effective contract execution for a turnkey installed solution or a cash settlement. All relevant agreement details are provided to the microwave clearinghouse to facilitate cost sharing reimbursement. Relocation Program Management—Once the contract has been executed, the requirements of the relocation schedule are fully evaluated. Equipment procurement and installation is managed to secure a timely delivery of the re-engineered system. Communication is maintained with all parties to ensure final system decommissioning and acceptance of the replacement facilities. Frequency Clearing for Drive Testing—This is done when the market is not clear of incumbents. Since a drive test requires a CW signal (very narrow) we can often find slivers of spectrum available to use for these tests prior to actually clearing an entire channel for a market. Coordination with Incumbents—Preparation and dissemination of FCC-mandated Prior Coordination Notices (PCNs) to incumbents to provide cell site operating parameters prior to commercial launch of the AWS system. Coordinate with 1.7 GHz incumbents in case of interference issues to prioritize market clearing. Cost Sharing Verification—An analysis is conducted to validate any cost sharing obligations and invoices that are generated from the FCC designated clearinghouse and other carriers. A systematic review of parameters such as system cost, licensing, frequency, bandwidth, cost sharing formula, contract terms, proximity threshold triggers and decommissioning date is performed. Comsearch has a proven track record of successfully completed AWS relocations for national carriers. Our team of relocation experts has the hands-on experience necessary for the most timely and cost-effective solutions. We have: Services backed by a team with decades of industry experience, the most comprehensive and accurate database of microwave systems, and Comsearch's proprietary software tools. A unique knowledge and relationship with 2.1 GHz incumbents and a strong relationship with each of the 1.7 GHz US Government Agencies, the NTIA, Officeof Management and Budget (OMB), and the FCC. Peerless knowledge of data for 1.7 GHz Agency systems and associated data issues. A partnership with the CTIA for the 2.1 GHz AWS Cost-sharing Clearancehouse. Benefits: Timely market launch with focus on cost-savings and enhanced revenue generation for carriers. Lower microwave relocation costs. Relieved administrative burden for coordination process. Confirmed validity of cost sharing obligation. Case One—Interference Research Issue: Interference problem reported by a carrier in a newly launched market Cause: A microwave system reported by a Federal agency to be off-air still transmitting Action: Comsearch verified the source of interference and notified the Federal agency Result: Interference eliminated upon turning off of the system by the Federal agency Case Two—PCN Services Issue: A Federal agency rejected the Prior Coordination Notice (PCN) submitted on behalf of a carrier Action: Comsearch requested more information from the agency and worked diligently with them to address their interference concerns Result: The Federal agency reanalyzed the submission and cleared the market Support & Resources Incumbent Relocation Issues and Options for the 1710-1755/2110-2155 MHz AWS Spectrum (March 2006) Fundamentals of Microwave Frequency Coordination	Contact us